From Palau: La Maddalena Archipelago Day Tour by Boat

The best part of this La Maddalena boat tour is the variety packed into one day. You swim off Spargi and Budelli, see the protected pink beach from the water, stop on Santa Maria, then walk through La Maddalena town before returning to Palau. It is a scenic sampler of northern Sardinia, not just a long ride past the shore.

I like the well-planned sequence of stops and the helpful crew, who keep departure times clear and serve food and drinks onboard. I also like the price: at $59, you reach several islands without arranging your own boat. The tradeoff is space. In summer, this is a busy large-boat outing, and the best open-air seats go quickly.

Key points to know before booking

• Four distinct island stops: Swim at Cala Corsara on Spargi, visit Santa Maria, see Budelli’s natural pools and walk around La Maddalena.
• The pink beach is viewed from the boat: Spiaggia Rosa has been closed since 1993 to protect its delicate ecosystem.
• Arrive early for an outdoor seat: Check-in begins at 9:00 AM and closes at 9:45 AM, even though the boat leaves at 10:30 AM.
• Food is available onboard: You can buy sandwiches, salads, Sardinian appetizers, coffee, wine and soft drinks, or bring your own food.
• Swimming is central to the day: Pack a swimsuit, towel and sun protection. The stops are built around time in the water.
• Expect a busy boat in peak season: The boat is clean and practical, but seating can feel tight and upper-deck shade may be limited.

What this Palau boat trip really offers

The La Maddalena Archipelago is a group of islands scattered between northeastern Sardinia and Corsica. The water is famously clear, but the real appeal is the mix of granite rock, pale sand, small coves and low islands shaped by wind and sea.

This seven-hour trip gives you a broad look at the area without needing to rent a boat or plan your own route. You spend time ashore and in the water, with the boat doing the hard work between islands. At $59 per person, that makes practical sense for a first visit.

This is not a private sailing trip. Petagus carries a substantial number of people, and the atmosphere is closer to a friendly excursion boat than a quiet cruise. You may hear explanations in several languages, and the deck can fill up quickly. If you want solitude, a small private boat would suit you better. If you want to see several famous places in one day at a moderate cost, this tour has a strong case.

Boarding at Palau requires an early start

The meeting point is in front of Bar Pier1, where you show your ticket to the crew. Check-in starts at 9:00 AM and closes at 9:45 AM. The scheduled departure is 10:30 AM, so you need to plan for a wait before sailing.

That early arrival matters for two reasons. First, anyone arriving after check-in closes will not be allowed onboard. Second, open-air seats are limited. Several people found it worthwhile to arrive early to claim a place on the upper deck, especially in hot weather.

The boat has indoor and outdoor seating, toilets and a snack bar. The indoor area can feel warm, and one part of the boat has been described as cramped, with an occasional fish smell. The upper deck gives you the best views and sea breeze, but shade can be limited. Bring a hat, sunscreen and a light cover-up.

A landing tax for La Maddalena must be paid in cash before boarding. It is not included in the $59 ticket, so do not arrive with only a card.

Spargi and Cala Corsara bring the first swim

The first major stop is Cala Corsara on Spargi, with about 70 minutes ashore. Spargi has a rounded shape and a notably wild feel. Its granite cliffs have been carved into unusual forms by wind and water, giving the coastline a sculptural look.

This is a good first stop because you can choose how active you want to be. Swim and snorkel in the clear water, walk along the cove or simply sit and take in the rock formations. The outing is not built around a long guided walk, so you have freedom to use the time at your own pace.

Snorkeling is popular here, but the tour does not state that equipment is supplied. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to look beneath the surface. Even without equipment, the water is the main attraction.

The schedule gives you enough time to enjoy Cala Corsara, though not enough for an extended beach day. You will need to watch the return time carefully. The crew communicates departure times clearly, but it is your responsibility to be back at the boat.

A quick view of Spiaggia Rosa

After Spargi, the boat passes toward Budelli and pauses for a short photo stop near the famous pink beach. The stop lasts about five minutes, so think of it as a viewing opportunity rather than a beach visit.

Spiaggia Rosa, or Pink Beach, is closed to visitors. The closure protects the natural material that gives the sand its unusual color, so you cannot walk on it or swim ashore there. From the boat, you get a sense of the beach and its setting without adding pressure to a fragile site.

The color may look more or less noticeable depending on light, distance and conditions. Do not book this trip expecting a long stop on pink sand. The real swimming time comes elsewhere, while the pink beach is a brief scenic highlight.

Santa Maria offers clear water and pale sand

The second beach stop is Santa Maria, with about an hour to explore. The island is known for bright light, clear water and pale beaches. For many people, this is one of the most appealing swim stops because it combines an attractive shoreline with time to get in the water.

The exact feel of a beach can change with wind and boat traffic, and this is a popular route. Still, an hour gives you a useful break from the boat. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe or walk a short distance along the shore.

Some visitors would prefer a longer stop here. That is worth keeping in mind if Santa Maria is your main reason for booking. The tour aims to cover several locations, so time is spread across the archipelago rather than devoted to one beach.

Budelli’s Natural Pools are the swimming highlight

The next stop is the Piscine Naturali, or Natural Pools, around Budelli. You get about 35 minutes for swimming. These shallow, clear waters are one of the signature sights in La Maddalena National Park.

The name describes the setting well. Rock formations create calm areas where the sea takes on striking shades of blue and green. The water is the star here, so have your swimsuit ready before the boat arrives. Changing facilities are not listed, and a short stop leaves little time for fussing with bags.

Thirty-five minutes is enough for a refreshing dip, but it passes quickly. If you want photos, swimming and snorkeling, decide what matters most before you enter the water. Keep your belongings secure on the boat and follow crew instructions around the swimming area.

The natural pools also show why this route is worth doing by boat. These places are spread across protected islands and are not simple road-access beach stops. The boat lets you reach several distinct coves in one day.

The pink beach is a protected place, not a photo prop

The panoramic view of Spiaggia Rosa deserves a little context. The beach has been closed since 1993 to give its ecosystem time to recover. That means your view is intentionally limited, and the boat does not land there.

This may disappoint you if you have seen dramatic close-up photos online. It is still worthwhile as part of the route, especially when combined with the natural pools and other beaches. Treat it as a short scenic pause rather than a full stop.

The archipelago is at its best when you pay attention to the whole setting: pale sand, exposed granite, small islands and changing water color. A single famous beach does not tell the full story.

La Maddalena town adds a human side

After Budelli, the boat heads to the island of La Maddalena and lands at Cala Gavetta. You have about an hour in town. This is the only stop focused mainly on streets, buildings and local life rather than swimming.

The settlement grew around a sheltered harbor, protected from the strong mistral wind. You can walk through the historic center, look around the waterfront and enjoy a drink or snack before returning to the boat. It is a welcome change after several beach stops.

One hour is enough to get your bearings and take a short walk, but not enough for a detailed visit to every corner of the island. If you prefer beaches to towns, this may feel longer than necessary. If you like seeing how an island community functions beyond its coves, it gives the day more balance.

The stop also helps break up the boat time. By this point, you will have spent much of the day in the sun, so a walk through town can be easier than another swim.

Food, drinks and onboard comfort

Food is not included, but the bar sells sandwiches, salads, Sardinian appetizers, coffee, wine and other drinks. Prices have generally been considered reasonable for an excursion boat, though some food items may feel more expensive than buying supplies in Palau.

You can bring your own lunch. I would do that if you want to control cost or have specific dietary needs, since the tour information does not give a full menu or allergy details. A packed sandwich, fruit and plenty of water are sensible additions.

The crew keeps the boat organized and announces arrival and departure times. Staff are described as friendly and helpful, with service at the bar moving quickly. The boat is clean and has toilets, though maintenance and cleanliness have not always been perfect.

Bring a dry bag or sealed pouch for phones and valuables. You will move between sun, salt water and a busy deck throughout the day. Comfortable sandals or water shoes are more useful than delicate footwear.

How crowded and hot is the boat?

The main compromise is capacity. In July and August, the beaches and boat can both feel busy. You may have plenty of room in one area and then find the upper deck full when you return from a swim.

Seat selection is not treated like a premium reserved arrangement. Arrive early if you care about sitting outside. Some people have used a towel to mark a place while they swim, but you should follow crew guidance rather than assuming a seat remains yours all day.

Heat is another consideration. The boat can become very hot inside, while the upper deck may have limited cover. A hat, refillable water bottle, sunscreen and a thin long-sleeved shirt will make the long day easier.

Wind can change the mood of the ride. Strong wind and waves may make open-water sections uncomfortable, although the captain handles the route with care. If you get seasick, sit where you can see the horizon and avoid a heavy meal before departure.

Who will get the most from this tour?

This trip suits you if you want maximum scenery in one day and do not mind sharing the boat. Families, couples and first-time visitors can all use it as a practical introduction to the archipelago, provided everyone is comfortable with stairs, beach landings and a full day in the sun.

It is especially useful if you are staying in Palau and do not want to rent a boat. You get four different stops, multilingual guidance in English and Italian, and the convenience of returning to the same port.

It is less suitable if you need wheelchair access, have significant mobility difficulties or want a quiet, private outing. Baby strollers are not allowed. It is also a poor match if your priority is spending several uninterrupted hours on one beach.

The cancellation terms are flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. Those details help if your Sardinia plans are still shifting, but you still need to arrive on time for check-in.

Should you book the Petagus La Maddalena tour?

Book it if you want a good-value island sampler with several swims, famous rock formations, a short town visit and food available onboard. At $59, the combination of transport, crew, multiple stops and protected coastal sights is hard to match by arranging each part separately.

Skip it if you want silence, lots of personal space or a private beach experience. In peak season, the boat and stops can be crowded, and the beach time may feel short if you want to settle in for the day.

For the best version of this outing, check in early, aim for an outdoor seat, bring lunch and water, carry cash for the landing tax, and pack your swim gear where you can reach it quickly. If that sounds like your kind of day, Petagus gives you an efficient and scenic way to meet the La Maddalena Archipelago.

FAQ

Where does the La Maddalena boat tour start?

The tour starts at Motonave Petagus in the port of Palau. The meeting point is in front of Bar Pier1, where you show your ticket to the crew.

What time should I check in?

Check-in begins at 9:00 AM and closes at 9:45 AM. The boat is scheduled to leave at 10:30 AM, so arriving early is important.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about seven hours. The planned return to Palau is around 6:00 PM, or around 5:00 PM in October.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Spargi, Santa Maria, Budelli and La Maddalena. It also passes the pink beach for a short photo stop.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. You have swimming opportunities at Spargi’s Cala Corsara, Santa Maria and the Natural Pools near Budelli.

Can I visit the pink beach?

No. Spiaggia Rosa has been closed since 1993 to protect its ecosystem. The boat makes a panoramic visit and photo stop near the beach instead.

Is lunch included in the ticket?

No. Lunch is not included. You can buy sandwiches, salads, Sardinian appetizers, coffee, wine and other drinks onboard, or bring your own food.

Is the landing tax included?

No. The landing tax for La Maddalena is paid separately in cash before boarding.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and Italian. Some onboard announcements may also be given in additional languages.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or strollers?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, and baby strollers are not allowed.